Even though straitjackets are designed to restrain someone who's in danger of harming themselves or others, they also make a good challenge for any escapologist. In fact, one of Harry Houdini's most famous tricks was to escape from a straitjacket while hanging upside down from a crane![1] Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to dislocate your shoulder in order to perform this feat, but you do have to practice the following steps.

Steps

1

While you're being buckled up, use one of your hands to inconspicuously pinch the front, giving you about three inches of slack. Take a deep breath and tighten your muscles in order to make your upper body as big as you possibly can. As your sleeves are pulled behind you, try to make sure your stronger arm is over your weaker arm.

2

Loosen up. Once the straitjacket is secured, relax your upper body and breathe out. Make your upper body as small as possible, and let go of the slack you created in the previous step. The straitjacket should feel looser now.

3

Push your strong arm forcefully towards the opposite shoulder. This will move the slack to where you need it for the next step.

Community Q&A

Pinch the front, as close to the space directly between your shoulders (just above the middle of your chest) as possible. If you make slack close to the bottom edge, it will not do you any good, as you are trying to give some extra room around your chest so you can get your arm over your head.

Where is a good place to purchase a strait jacket? Are there any reputable magic companies? I'm very small (5 feet small built). Will it work for me or will I have a difficult time performing the escape?